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Hi I'm Rachel Bonar

I grew up in Utah and Georgia. I love to travel and to cook. I'm a Mormon.

About Me

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I am a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. Those roles keep me busy and happy when I am not doing my job or hobbies. I work as a substitute teacher, educating kids from kindergarten to 12th grade. My favorite hobby is cooking. With so many recipes I have collected, you'd think I'd be done searching for meal ideas to create for my family and friends. I wasn't a fan of crafts as a child, but today I am trying to explore my talents and interests in that hobby. I enjoy easy crafts that go towards home and holiday decor. I also gather craft activities I hope to do with my future children. I love the outdoors! Visiting the Rocky Mountains of the West or the Appalachian Mountains of the East is a special treat for me. I love to travel the U.S. and absorb the history and culture of the places I go. Someday I hope to travel outside the country and see the wonderful and exciting things the world has to offer.

Why I am a Mormon

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I was born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My father was a convert when he was a teenager, and his experience in joining the church influenced me to believe in the church and the gospel. Growing up I enjoyed the church programs offered and learning as much as I could about Jesus Christ's teachings. As I matured, the teachings of the Savior became very important to me and I wanted to share what I knew and believed with others. I served a mission for the LDS church and it was great experience. The gospel of Jesus Christ is God's plan of happiness, and I have found true and lasting happiness by following His teachings and commandments. There are ups and downs that are common in life, but overall I am happy with my life and confident in who I am and my place in this world. The gospel has taught me that I am a child of God and my purpose on earth is to follow Jesus Christ and be happy. The great reward is that one day I will live with my Heavenly Father again and be with my family for eternity. That is ultimate happiness.

How I live my faith

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I have participated in my church in several ways. I was a missionary for 18 months, inviting others to pray and know for themselves if what I was teaching them was true. I have been a Sunday School teacher for adults and kids. In that position I taught my classes the teachings of Jesus and his commandments from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I once was the leader of my local congregation's women's organization called Relief Society. I presided and directed the efforts of the women to increase their faith and testimony in Jesus Christ, strengthen their families and homes, and to seek out and help those who are in need. We achieve those efforts through Sunday School lessons from the scriptures, monthly/weekly activities, and serving one another and others in our community. As part of the women's organization, most women volunteer to be "visiting teachers". A visiting teacher is a person who visits 2-3 other women and teaches a short gospel principle and does a service for the women she meets. A visiting teacher looks after the welfare of the women and is a comfort and a friend.

A champion athlete, Leilani seemed to have it all: a world title, a loving family, loyal friends and fans. And yet she felt like a failure. Overcoming her depression took a power far greater than medication.

God makes it easy for us to follow Him by giving us commandments. Following the commandments can lead us to happiness. We certainly are not perfect, but God has given us a way to be forgiven of our sins through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.